That blazes from the tall roofs of the town!

List to the fearful sighings that expire

From thousand breasts, while they their terror drown!

Hark to the wailings terrible and dire

Of beauteous women, who to death go down;

Their tender limbs in flame and ashes lie,

No father, friend, or love to heed their cry!

As timid sheep, upon their careless way,

Whom some ferocious wolf attacks and drives,

Go hurrying hither, thither, all astray,